purlJam

# SOPHIE SCARF

A classic, cosy garter stitch scarf — the perfect first project. Worked flat in one piece using simple knit stitches, Sophie produces a soft, squishy, reversible fabric that lies beautifully flat with no curling. Wrap up warm!

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## MATERIALS

- **Yarn**: Approximately 300 g of worsted weight wool or wool-blend yarn (around 500–550 m / 550–600 yards total). A smooth, light-coloured yarn shows the texture beautifully.
  - *Suggested*: 3 × 100 g balls
- **Needles**: 5.0 mm (UK 6 / US 8) straight or circular knitting needles, or size needed to achieve tension
- **Notions**:
  - Tapestry/darning needle for weaving in ends
  - Scissors
  - Tape measure

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## TENSION (GAUGE)

**18 sts × 36 rows = 10 cm (4") square** in garter stitch on 5.0 mm needles, after gentle blocking.

> **Tip**: Always knit a tension square before starting. If your square is too small, try larger needles; if too large, try smaller needles. For a scarf, tension is forgiving — the finished width will simply vary slightly.

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## FINISHED SIZE

- **Width**: approximately 20 cm (8")
- **Length**: approximately 150 cm (60")

*Both dimensions are easy to adjust — see "Customising" below.*

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## ABBREVIATIONS

| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| k | knit |
| st(s) | stitch(es) |
| RS | right side |
| WS | wrong side |
| cm | centimetres |
| approx | approximately |

*(Garter stitch is fully reversible, so RS/WS are interchangeable here.)*

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## PATTERN

### Cast On

Using 5.0 mm needles, cast on **36 sts** using your preferred cast-on method (long-tail cast on is recommended for a tidy, elastic edge).

> **Math check**: 36 sts ÷ 18 sts per 10 cm × 10 = **20 cm wide** ✓

### Main Body — Garter Stitch

**Row 1**: K all 36 sts to end.

**Repeat Row 1** every row until the scarf measures approximately **150 cm (60")** from the cast-on edge, or your desired length.

> **Math check**: 150 cm × 36 rows per 10 cm = approx **540 rows** total. Don't worry about counting — just measure with a tape measure as you go.

> **Tip**: Lay your work flat (do not stretch) when measuring. Check length every 20–30 rows once you're past the halfway point.

### Cast Off

On the next row, cast off **all 36 sts** knitwise, working loosely so the edge matches the elasticity of the cast-on. Cut the yarn, leaving a 15 cm tail, and pull through the final loop to secure.

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## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends**: Using a tapestry needle, weave the cast-on and cast-off tails into the garter stitch ridges on the wrong side for about 5 cm. Trim any excess.
2. **Blocking** (optional but recommended):
   - Soak the scarf in lukewarm water with a little wool wash for 15–20 minutes.
   - Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring) and roll in a clean towel to remove more moisture.
   - Lay flat on a clean, dry towel or blocking mat. Pat into shape — approximately 20 cm × 150 cm — and leave to dry completely.
3. **Wear and enjoy!**

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## CUSTOMISING SOPHIE

- **Wider scarf**: Add stitches in multiples of 2. Every extra 2 sts adds roughly 1 cm (⅜").
  - *Example*: Cast on 44 sts → approx 24 cm (9½") wide.
- **Longer/shorter scarf**: Simply knit until you reach your preferred length. A child's scarf works well at 100–120 cm; a generous wrap at 180 cm+.
- **Yarn quantity guide**:
  - 120 cm length → approx 240 g
  - 150 cm length → approx 300 g
  - 180 cm length → approx 360 g
- **Stripes (optional)**: Change colour every 20 rows for cheerful stripes. Carry the unused colour loosely up the side.

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**Congratulations — you've made Sophie!** 🧶